Music festivals are the event of the summer. Here’s what you need to know before attending.
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With summer approaching, everyone’s feeling the heat. With clear skies and the sun shining (well, most of the time anyways), everyone’s looking forward to going out and having fun. If you’re looking for the ultimate Hot Girl Summer activity, look no further than attending a music festival. Enjoying your favorite artists, hanging out with your friends, and taking pics for the ‘gram is a combination that makes any event worth attending. Festivals such as Wanderland and &FRIENDS are set to take place during the next few months, giving us time to prep and have a slayful summer ahead. And let’s not forget the other festivals coming our way later this year.
But what exactly should you prep before you go? Festivals are often whole-day events where you’ll most likely be out in the sun and standing for hours, so best be prepared before you head out. So, whether you’re a newbie or have your fair share of festivals, here are the essentials to bring and remember for your next festival.
PACK YOUR BAG (THE RIGHT WAY)
There are a few things you should keep in mind when packing your bags. Check the festival rules to know what you can (and cannot) bring inside the venue. Another thing to consider is that you’ll most likely be standing for long periods, so keep things light, both in items and bag of choice. Lastly, make sure you have all your essentials with you. Items like your phone, charger, power bank, ticket, wallet (with just enough cash for the day), and water bottle (although this may not be allowed depending on the festival rules) are key items to remember.
Let’s get into some specific items. With the hot weather, fans are a necessity. A simple folding fan will do the job, but if you want to make it easy for yourself, bring a portable fan to help cool yourself off. This is especially useful if you plan on securing barricade and squeezing yourself in between the crowd. Another way to also protect yourself against the sun, or in case it rains, is to bring a portable umbrella. Speaking of keeping cool, there might be times you’ll want to chill in between sets. Bringing a blanket to lay on the ground is a good way to set up your own space to relax your legs in those moments.
You may also want to pack a few skincare essentials like sunscreen so you don’t damage your skin under all that sun. Whether you stand or sit, the sun (and stage lights) will shine bright, so it won’t hurt to also have a pair of sunglasses in your bag.
GET READY TO SERVE (SENSIBLE) LOOKS
Philippine weather is notoriously warm, but it never stopped Filipinos from serving looks. Music festivals bring out everyone’s inner model, and rightfully so. If you plan on playing Dress To Impress IRL, this is your chance to do so. Checking out previous festival ‘fits from our fave celebs makes for a good starting point for curating your look. Pinterest has also your back with its never-ending stream of inspo.
Once you’ve figured out what to wear, consider how to make it comfortable. Shoes will definitely be a key part of making the whole ‘fit comfy, as you will be on your feet most of the time. As much as the fashion girlies love a good high heel, we suggest going for something flat to avoid sore feet or a sensible boot. Another thing to factor in is the fabric you’re wearing. As someone who just recently attended her first music festival, I overlooked this part. I wore shorts that were way too warm for the occasion, but since then, I’ve learned my lesson. Keep on serving, but let’s not suffer doing so.
FESTI-QUETTE TO KNOW
Every festival has their own set of rules to follow. But regardless of which festival you’re attending or even which country it’s in, there are a few universal rules to remember.
First, being respectful towards fellow audience members is important. As part of the crowd, watching your faves can be a life-changing experience. With everyone wanting to get a glimpse of their idols, most people would try to go towards the front. As much as we all want to get the best view, pushing people is never a good idea for safety and fairness. Maintaining one’s personal space is also important, as everyone should be able to move freely wherever they stand.
Next, be aware of your surroundings and keep all your valuables near you at all times. You may even want to consider labeling your stuff in case they get lost. While we’re on safety, looking out for fellow festival goers makes for a better experience altogether. If you spot someone getting injured or needing assistance, it’s good to step in and look for the appropriate event staff to help out.
Third, let’s talk about the artists. If you’re not familiar with everyone in the lineup, showing respect towards them is crucial. Just because you don’t listen to their music doesn’t give you the right to disrespect them. Music festivals present a chance to expand your musical horizons, so coming in with open ears makes for a much more fun experience. Being openly distracted/busy in the middle of a performance can come off as rude, so do focus on stage. For all you know, you might have found a new artist to stan.
Lastly, when you go to a music festival, remember to have fun! You (or your parents/bestie/partner) spent all that money for the ticket, so make the most of it. Whether you’ll be singing your heart out or simply vibing to the music, you’re set for a perfect summer season ahead.
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